Los Angeles daily herald., 1887-07-26
DAILY HERALD.
BODKIN'S REPUTATION.
His Character in His Mis-
souri, Home.
HIS wIFE's TESTIMONY.
BOdkin's Children and His Wife
Afraid of Elan. The BOdkin
Dog Hated Him.

when the case OF ]. J. Bodkii
charge~l with the killing of Luciu
Elan, was called in Judge Cheney
court yesterda,r morning, 5. M. White
counsel for the defense, announced
that he had to be present in the Per
kins- Baldwin case in srdge OMel'
veny's court, the trial was continued
until p. NJ. At that hour the de-
fense opened and Mr.. White made The
opening address, in which he reviewed
the facts of the case. He stated that
the defendant was an old man, while
the deceased, who undoubtedly was
the. aggressor, was a powerful fell
low. possessed of great strength. He
persecuted Bodkin for ten months he.
fore he was finally killed, Elan al
lowed his stock to roam at random on
the lands of Bodkin.
The deposition of W. II. Vantz,
mayor of St. Genevieve, Missouri, was
read. Deponent stated that he knew
Bodkin in Missouri for number OF
wears, where he was school teacher.
His reputation for peace and quietness
was good. His reputation for integrity
was never questioned.
The deposition of G. II. Gemm was
next read. He knew Bodkin in st.
Genevive, Missouri. Knew Bodkin in
timately. His reputation for obedi-
ence to the laws and for peace and
quietude was never questioned. He
was engaged in teaching school, and
he was respected by all who knew him.
Dispositions of Drs. E. j. Drury and
c. F. Carson were also read. They
also knew Bodkin in st. Genevieve,
Missouri, where they were intimately
associated with him. Bodkin's repu-
tation for peace, quietness and hon.
esty was good, and in fact it was never
discussed.
William M. Mitchell, of st. Gene
veiye, also testified to Bodkin's reputa-
fion. He has heard him spoken of as
a good and peaceful citizen.
G. A. Rozier, prosecuting attorney
ut st. Genevieve, also knew Bodkin
when he was editor of the Missouri
Free Press. He was looked upon as a
good citizen and highly respected in
the community.
DIR. X. +. Manning, of st. Genevieve,
asserted that Bodkin's reputation in
the community was excellent. Resid
ed in the same building with Bodkin
and was on intimate terms with him
II. j. Floyd was then called as q
witness for the defense: Have resid
ed in this county for nineteen years
Have known Bodkin for nine years
He resided near me at Savannah fo
three years. During the time he re
sided in that community his reputa
ton for peace and quietness was neve
discussed. He taught school and
was trustee.
John Cess next testified: Hav,
lived in Savannah for twenty-five
years. Have known Mr.. Bodkin fo
nine years. He taught school in oul
neighborhood and his general reputa
tion for peace and quietness was good
Never heard it questioned. Had 6
talk with him last summer with refer
ence to his leaving Orange. The pros
ecution objected to the line of testi
mony and the witness was withdrawn
MRS. BoDKIN's TESTIMONY.
Mary Bodkin, wife of the defendant
was next called and testife,
as follows: l have been mar
ried fourteen years and hav
eight children, the youngest G
which was born in March, 1886
Knew Elan. First became acquaint
ed with him some time In 1884. HI
called at our house. Was pretty wei
acquainted with him. He used t
have his meals at our house. Som
time in April or May, 1885, ! wa
washing clothes in the ditch. Elan
was at his house near by, kicking an,
abusing dog which my husband ha
given him. | crossed the ditch an
went over to him. His sister was b
the hedge, weeping. She told me nc
to go near him. |, however, wen
and told him not to abuse the dog. bu
totake it out and kill it if that wa
what he was trying to do. He toll
me to mind my own business. M
husband at that time was teachin
school some distance in the country
Elan never spoke to me again unit
after Mr.. Bodkin sued him, an
the suit was compromised. Elan rod
up to the house and cursed and buse
me. My husband came in shortl,
afterward "scared to death" A
least he appeared very much fright
ened. told him that Elan had sal
to me, C. d you, if you have any
thing to say come out and say it.
Waen Elam rode away he went owe
the bridge toward his house.. Elan
came back again and called to m,
husband, who was cultivating, ant
told him to bring back that wood
G-- d. quick" The next morning
Sunday, my husband between five an,
six o'clock called me out OF bid.
heard Elam's voice. He was YER
angry. When | got out Elan wa
making tracks for home. My hus
band was milking the COW. On Mon
day morning. | was in bed and | hear
somebody cross on the bridge. He wa
On horseback, and going as fast a
me could. | asked my littl
girl where her papa was. / got OF
and saw Elam on our land which W
rented, right west of the house. II
was talking to Bodkin. When l gc
there Elam turned in his saddle an
said: cd d-m you, whs
brought you here" After thatI sale
"Mr. Elam, we have stood this a lon
time" / said, 1--WE can't have yo
running on our vineyard. He r,
piled, "You can't help yourself.
lie turned in his saddle again an
said that / had been talking abol
his sisters. Mr.. Bodkin interrupte
and said that was his wife and ths
he would protect me. Elan the
rode off. He stopped again and tol
my husband that he claimed til
whole country around. My husban
told him that he had charge of til
Matthews place. Elan asked to sc
the papers, and he went up to til